Investigating overprescribing of antibiotics with asthma: Meet Nour Odeh

Antibiotics play an essential role in healthcare, but infections resistant to them are on the rise.

Antibiotic resistant infections are difficult to treat. This is because bacteria develop defences that mean they can no longer be killed with commonly used antibiotics.

Overprescribing of antibiotics is one the main factors driving the rise in antibiotic resistant infections. Avoiding unnecessary prescribing and use of antibiotics will help ensure they continue to work.

Nour Odeh is a postgraduate researcher at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Based at the University of Southampton’s Primary Care Research Centre, she’s investigating why patients with asthma are more likely to be prescribed antibiotics for acute respiratory symptoms.

She shares her hopes for the project, and why she decided to pursue a career in research.

How did you become interested in research?

My interest in research developed while completing my master’s degree at a university in London. I conducted a research project exploring the embodiment of prosthetic limbs following amputation.

Having left Syria only a few years earlier due to the war, I was particularly aware of how health challenges can profoundly affect people’s lives. This experience helped me recognise the potential of research to improve healthcare and support individuals facing complex physical and psychological changes.

Motivated by this, I pursued a career in clinical research delivery. I worked as a registered Clinical Research Practitioner in a primary care setting. In this role, I contributed to the delivery of several studies with researchers at the University of Southampton.

This experience strengthened my appreciation of the vital role of primary care in healthcare and research. By 2024, I felt ready to begin my own doctoral journey under the guidance of an excellent team of researchers.

What is the healthcare challenge that you are seeking to address?

I aim to address the overprescribing of antibiotics in people with asthma. Around 80% of antibiotics are prescribed in primary care. Chest infections are the most common reason.

Evidence suggests that people with asthma are more likely to receive antibiotics for chest symptoms. This is compared to those without asthma. The reasons for this higher prescribing rate remain unclear.

The PAUSE study will explore views and experiences on antibiotic prescribing for chest symptoms. These will come from healthcare professionals, adults with asthma, and parents of children with asthma.

The project will help understand the factors that influence prescribing decisions and patient expectations. It aims to identify key drivers of potentially inappropriate antibiotic use in this population.

The findings will inform the development of an intervention. This intervention will support more appropriate antibiotic prescribing. This will help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in people with asthma.

What do you hope to achieve in your research at the BRC?

I aim to better understand why antibiotics are prescribed to people with asthma who present with chest symptoms in primary care.

This research will explore factors that influence prescribing decisions. I aim to identify the key drivers of antibiotic prescribing in this population. I hope to generate evidence that can inform more effective approaches to antibiotic stewardship.

Ultimately, this research aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing and improve asthma management. It will also support wider efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance in primary care.

This project aligns closely with the BRC themes of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection and Respiratory and Allergy. I am very grateful to be supported by leading experts in the field. These include Nick Francis, Kay Wang, Kate Lippiett, Rosie Essery and Ingrid Muller.

How would you sum up your research in three words?

'Think long term'

When prescribing antibiotics, it can be easy to focus on the potential short-term benefits. This can mean we overlook the long-term consequences of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotics are a precious and finite resource, and their effectiveness depends on how responsibly we use them. None of us want to face a future where common infections become difficult to treat, because bacteria are resistant to available treatments.

By prescribing and using antibiotics only when they are truly needed, we can help protect their effectiveness. This includes for ourselves, our loved ones and future generations.

What is it like to be an early career researcher in Southampton?

Being an early career researcher in Southampton has been a great experience, full of opportunities.

I am in my third year of a four-year PhD and have hugely benefited from being part of the university’s strong academic community. There are many training opportunities that help build both methodological and professional skills. There are also workshops that support career development.

I have had access to bursaries specifically aimed at early career researchers. I have also had opportunities to attend national and international conferences.

In addition, I’ve been involved in facilitation experiences. These have helped me to build confidence in teaching and communication. Networking events have also been really valuable for connecting with other researchers at similar stages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFKdWxBE8RI

What advice would you give to other early career researchers?

As I’m still an early career researcher myself, I’d probably frame this for anyone just starting on this journey. It’s a really exciting opportunity to grow not only as a researcher, but also as a person. You’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had, but you’ll also face challenges that test your resilience and patience.

One of the most important things is to surround yourself with supportive, like-minded people. They can help you see the positives even when things feel tough. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it - that’s part of growing, not a weakness.

And just as importantly, make time for things outside of research that you enjoy. Protecting your well-being and noticing when you’re becoming stressed or overloaded really does make a difference in the long run. Take it from someone who had a couple of colds in a few months before realising it’s sometimes a sign to give your body a proper reset, take a step back, and come back refreshed!